Adelaide won’t flirt with its form and rest players in the lead-up to finals, according to Crows assistant coach David Teague.
The Crows sit six points clear on top of the AFL ladder and boast the League’s best percentage with three rounds remaining in the home and away season.
After Saturday night’s clash with Essendon, Adelaide confronts an in-form Sydney off a six-day break at home before travelling to Perth to tackle West Coast at Domain Stadium.
A post-season bye, first introduced by the AFL last year, allows a longer break for clubs in finals contention leading into the major round.
“We’re about winning this week. That’s our focus at the moment,” Teague said when asked if resting players was on the agenda.
“Our priority is making sure we’re playing our best footy and we’re getting our best players out on the park.
“We’re still looking to get better and this week’s another opportunity. The best practice you get is the two hours out there playing.
“This is our best chance to get better. We want to make sure we don’t waste that opportunity too by flirting with form or resting guys.”
Teague confirmed both Daniel Talia (groin) and David Mackay (corked quad) would both take their place against the Bombers in the Club’s first trip to Etihad Stadium this year.
The AFL’s highest-scoring side this season, Adelaide has surpassed the 100-point mark in more than half of its games at the venue, including three of its last four matches at Docklands.
Essendon is another strong attacking side and is ranked third for points scored in Season 2017.
“We like playing that style,” Teague said.
“Having said that, you have to weigh up on the day what’s working for you. If it’s a fast game and it’s not working, you’d want to slow it down. So far this year, we’ve enjoyed the games that are played at speed.
“They’re a very good scoring team. Their key forwards compete well in the air, but they’ve got some smalls at ground level as well.
“It’s more the way they move the ball as a team and give their forwards opportunity. They move it quick and they like to use to corridor.
“It’s going to be a great test.”
